In light of unfolding events in Egypt, Tunisia, and elsewhere in the Middle East, Psychologists for Social Responsibility (PsySR)
has issued the statement below in solidarity with the brave protesters.
We call upon leaders of the United States to stand in support of
democratic change in the region.

The rapidly unfolding events in Egypt and Tunisia have stunned and
engaged the world. The governments of these countries have long been
criticized for their widespread human rights violations, including
restrictions on freedom of expression and association, the abuse of
state of emergency powers, the imprisonment of dissidents, the use of
torture, and the persecution of journalists and human rights defenders.
But today we are witnesses to the extraordinary power manifest when
ordinary people join together and challenge undemocratic rulers,
expressing the seemingly timeless human aspiration to be free of
tyranny, oppression, and exploitation.

Psychologists for Social Responsibility (PsySR) is an international
organization dedicated to bringing psychology to the service of peace
and social justice. We are keenly aware of the importance that people
place on the right to speak up for the safety and well-being of their
families and themselves, and we recognize the importance of the images
they hold about the fairness of their governments. From psychological
studies of mass violence, we also know that bystanders who do not
protest brutality serve, in effect, to legitimize it and to empower the
aggressors. In this light, the mass protests, military tanks, and
clashes between civilians and government forces are a potent reminder
that calls for law and order do not always drown out a people's cry for
justice -" and for change. The loss of life in these situations is
tragic, as is the perpetuation of corrupt regimes that rely daily on
violence and intimidation to maintain control.

From events like these -" driven by the collective power and pent up
frustrations of a long-suffering citizenry -" emerge outcomes that are
often tenuous and unexpected. Sudden change brings with it both
opportunities and dangers. Popular revolts can lead to more just and
democratic societies. However, history shows that the dethroning of
tyrants does not guarantee a quick transformation to democratic rule,
and sometimes instead sets the stage for new autocracies. Lasting
democratic progress depends upon continued broad participation, and the
relationships and structures that encourage it.

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Therefore, amid the turmoil and uncertainties, PsySR affirms its
unwavering support for movements and leaders that fully embrace a
commitment to the key principles reflected in the United Nations
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We recognize that peace and
stability are far more valuable when accompanied by individual rights
and freedoms, and by justice for all segments of society.

Speaking in Cairo in June 2009, U.S. President Barack Obama explained:

"I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for
certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how
you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal
administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn't
steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. Those are not
just American ideas, they are human rights, and that is why we will
support them everywhere."

At this critical time, PsySR calls upon the United States government
to carefully consider the effects of any contradiction between word and
deed. The Ben Ali regime in Tunisia and Egypt under Mubarak are two of
several repressive governments that have received U.S. financial and
military support for decades -" support that has enabled them to suppress
their own people. Current events offer the U.S. an opportunity to alter
its image as a too frequent defender of authoritarian tyrants. In the
days and weeks ahead, the actions of the United States will influence
the consciousness, the perceptions and the hopes of people throughout
the world. We therefore encourage support for the democratic aspirations
of people in the Middle East to challenge undemocratic governments and
to choose their own leaders.